There’s nothing that breaks a leader’s focus quicker than believing there are options involved. Obviously, Jesus’ ministry did not function this way. The Greek language uses very strong language when communicating His words. One perfect example of this is found in Luke 11:2, saying, “…Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done…”

These two phrases carry what translators call an “emphatic tense” of the verb. To illustrate this “emphatic tense”, I will add one word. “…Thy kingdom must come; Thy will must be done…” This strong language shows how focused Jesus was upon the Father’s vision for His time of being on the earth. There were no options.

The Psalmist, King & Prophet David said, “God set solitary in the family.” According to my friend, Apostle William Hohman of Merrill, WI, this “solitary” is in regards to the singleness of the Father’s vision for us.

Any family, business, ministry or church that has more than one vision has “division”. The Latin language translates “di” as “two”. This is where we get the word division. Division is literally having two visions.

The Emphatic leader is focused upon the vision God has given. This is not a symptom of inflexibility or a refusal to listen to others, but, rather, it is unwavering devotion to the vision. Rees Howells said, “The vision is all that matters”. If a leader believes there is an option, surely this will effect devotion, passion, and work ethic. Along this line of thought, the Western Church must return to Evangelism – for, the Gospel must be preached – then the end will come (Matthew 24:14).

It appears we have forgotten how to fish. We have traded our fishing equipment and became more focused upon watching the aquarium. Beloved, this is not an “either-or” situation. We don’t have chose between fishing and watching; we can do both. Jesus confirmed this by saying, “…we must bear fruit, and the fruit should remain” (John 15:16).

Today, receive the challenge to stay focused on the task at hand. The vision God has given should be treated like “gold dust from heaven”. The vision is God’s dream for your life, ministry and city/region/nation. To treat it in any other way than “emphatic” is contemptible and insulting to the God who entrusted you and me with this “gold dust from heaven”. Vision is God’s inner most desire for our success in His kingdom.

By God’s grace, you and I will hear Him say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord”. These words will be the first reward for remaining faithful to the vision to the end. I trust you and I will be standing near one another when these cherished words are spoken…O what a glorious day!

Brother Bill